UAE names 8 countries as priority destinations for scholarship students, reveals new rules
The United Arab Emirates has announced new rules for its national scholarship programme, naming 8 countries as priority destinations for Emirati students seeking to study abroad.
The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research said Ministerial Resolution No. (179) of 2026 establishes a unified framework covering the conditions, requirements and procedures for the national scholarship programme.
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Under the new resolution, the eight countries designated as priority scholarship destinations are:
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Germany
- Finland
The ministry said applicants will be assessed based on factors including academic performance, chosen field of study, university quality and the type of admission received. Priority will also be given to children of martyrs, students benefiting from social support programmes and those living in remote areas.
Universities in the approved destinations must also meet specific global ranking requirements. Institutions ranked among the world’s top 50 in a particular subject qualify regardless of their overall ranking.
For universities in the United States and Australia, institutions must rank within the top 100 both overall and by subject. Universities in other English-speaking countries must rank within the top 200 in both categories, while non-English-speaking destinations must meet a top 300 ranking in both categories.
The resolution also identifies eight priority fields of study:
- Energy
- Transport and logistics
- Technology and engineering
- Healthcare
- Water and the environment
- Creative industries
- Science
- Finance
The ministry said the changes are aimed at improving government spending efficiency and ensuring scholarships support qualified national talent in sectors considered important to the UAE’s future growth.